Abstract
This paper focuses on the structure and spatial pattern of R&D networks in Japan and considers the case of the Consortium R&D Project for Regional Revitalization. It applies social network analysis to the structure and innovation of joint research projects.
By making the structure visible and calculating the network indices, the following findings were obtained. First, the structure of regional blocks is divided into two types. One is the “decentralized type,” i.e., a multicore structure with many joint research units. The other is the “concentrated type,” with a limited number of cores. Second, the value of centrality is closely related to innovation. Third, this paper argues that the ratio of R&D depends on the range of distance in each technical field and the distance between actors. Spatiality is considerably different depending on whether the technical field is manufacturing based or science based. In addition, some universities and technical colleges play a critical role in long-distance joint research.
